DNP vs VTI
DNP Select Income Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DNP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.77% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 131 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.21% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.19% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.83% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.55% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 1987 | May 24, 2001 |
DNP vs VTI Performance
DNP Select Income Fund Inc. (DNP) is a ETF from Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DNP returned +20.19% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, DNP is up 15.21% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, DNP compounded at +11.83% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.55% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +2.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.7% for DNP. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -54.8% for DNP and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DNP charges 1.77% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $177 vs $3 annually, a gap of $174 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DNP currently yields 8.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DNP and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2871 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DNP or VTI?
DNP has an expense ratio of 1.77% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $174 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DNP or VTI?
Over the past year DNP returned +20.19% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), DNP annualized +2.05% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DNP or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for DNP. Worst drawdown: DNP -54.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DNP and VTI?
DNP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DNP and VTI?
DNP and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DNP or VTI?
DNP yields 8.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DNP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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